An ideal water flow for adequate filtration in freshwater and saltwater aquariums is a key to maintaining a clean and safe environment for livestock.
The flow rate depends on a variety of factors, including the size and resiliency of the fish in your tank.
Generally, an ideal flow rate is four times the size of your tank. For example, if you have a 30-gallon tank, the recommended water flow for adequate filtration would be 120 gallons per hour (GPH).
Presumably and hypothetically, the entire volume of the tank would “turn over” four times in one hour. For that reason, “turn over rate” is sometimes used instead of the phrase “gallons per hour.” However, there’s no way to guarantee that every ounce of water will flow through the filter or that some of the water won’t go through the filter more than four times per hour. For that reason, the more accurate terminology is “gallons per hour.”
Several factors may contribute to the need for a higher or slower flow rate.
- Small fish, baby fish, certain species, and live plants may do better in a slower-moving tank. They might not be able to tolerate a stronger current.
- If you have live plants, you also would want to minimize the flow. Doing so would allow the plants to hold onto the carbon dioxide they need, which helps to keep the overall aquarium environment safer for the fish.
- Tanks with large fish may need higher flow rates to ensure the larger waste they produce is removed.
- Reef tanks should also have a higher flow to ensure that the water is moving in all areas of the tank.
- Both freshwater and saltwater tanks that have an abundance of artificial plants and decorative items may require a stronger current to ensure water gets through all the decor.
The importance of having the ideal water flow for adequate filtration in freshwater and saltwater aquariums can’t be overstated. A good flow rate accomplishes the following:
- It allows for proper waste removal.
- It increases oxygen levels.
- It creates an environment that mimics nature.
- Using the filters as they were designed to be used may keep them running longer, so you won’t need to replace them as often.
Another benefit is that proper water flow helps to move water throughout all areas of the tank. This movement essentially cleans the water, the decor, and the tank itself, allowing for easier fish tank maintenance.
This is a general overview of the recommended water flow for adequate filtration, but truly the flow rate depends on all of these factors combined. For that reason, decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis.
Contact us if you need help choosing an ideal filtration system for your freshwater or saltwater aquarium.